A Pride event in the middle of Hereford is much-needed, according to one of the organisers.
This year’s Hereford Pride event is the first ever held in High Town, with live music and market stalls next to the Black and White House on Saturday (June 6).
With other events on at The Imperial in Widemarsh Street, such as mental health support from Herefordshire Mind and the official afterparty, the LGBTQ+ community and allies are coming together to celebrate Pride month.
But despite the upbeat atmosphere in the city centre, one Hereford business says the city still has a way to go.
LIVE UPDATES: Hereford Pride opens in High Town
Sion Harris, owner of Pride sponsor Hereford Beer House, said negative comments online means the city still needs to be more accepting, despite improvements since he arrived four years ago.
For Pride organiser Richard Hancock, who has been running monthly meet-ups through Herefordshire Queers and Beers, he said he had never heard of an event happening in the middle of the city, adding: “I think it's needed, making everything visible, as previously it's been a bit out the way in other parts of Hereford.”
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For Katy Cogswell, who is hosting the event in High Town, she said there had been a big commitment this year to create an event for everyone to come together, celebrate and “say that we're here”.
She said: “Who doesn't like live music? Who doesn't like entertainment acts? Who doesn't like crafts?
"It's not about being divisive, it's about bringing people together regardless of people's sexual orientation.
“I think that's something that the people of Hereford need to understand and support.”
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Mr Hancock said he doesn’t see how anyone can argue against the event.
“This has been slow building,” he added. “We’ve been operating for two years as a monthly community meet-up.
“A lot of it is from connections, friends of friends, local businesses and it's built up to this. The plan is this is the formula for next year and then years after.”
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